Franklin Heights is rebuilding on its industrial legacy
Today's Franklin Heights emerged from the remnants of A.O. Smith, a car frame manufacturer that drew many of its employees to the area for decades before closing in 2006. Those 84 acres of vacated industrial land tell the story of Franklin Heights' history, a legacy the city of Milwaukee is attempting to rebuild through the development of Century City Business Park, an industrial corridor for manufacturing companies. "Fixing up this neighborhood is a focus of this city," says Realtor Alex Chou, a Milwaukee local. "They're trying to bring jobs to the area and stitch the city back together again." Century City Business Park is actively expanding, an incentive to those looking for a home in Franklin Heights.
Compact homes with vintage charm and concrete walkways
Early 20th-century bungalows and wood-frame duplexes make up the vast majority of Franklin Heights. House prices typically stay below $100,000 with a few exceptions. These tightly spaced homes are separated by slender concrete walkways that adjoin the sidewalks to the back alleys where residents have access to private parking.
Wood-frame duplexes are a popular residential style in Franklin Heights.
Franklin Heights has several bungalows with lush front yards scattered throughout.
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A former industrial site brings jobs and fresh food to the area
The industrial area that once held A.O. Smith — now Century City Business Park — is often an easy walking distance for many of the neighborhood's houses, though bus stops are dotted along the residential streets every few blocks. Century City Business Park tenants are creating job opportunities for Franklin Heights residents, jobs you'll have no trouble reaching thanks to seven major bus lines that all stop there. The number of tenants continues to grow, but currently includes the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Good City Brewing Company and Hundred Acre, an urban farm working to solve food insecurity in Milwaukee. Fresh greens are grown here year-round inside a controlled environmental system without pesticides or GMOs, then sold to stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Century City is a growing business park in Franklin Heights.
City of Milwaukee has a large Department of Public Works facility in Franklin Heights.
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Dive bars, pizza joints and a vibrant marketplace nearby
Beyond the increasing number of amenities at Century City Business Park, you'll also find a few Franklin Heights staples. You can order a beer and basic bar eats at Warren's Lounge, which has been housed in an unassuming cinderblock building since 1970. Shoot pool while you sip a drink at Murray's Bar just down the block. For that late-night pizza craving, Pizza House is open until midnight most nights. A little further out, you’ll reach Milwaukee-favorite Sherman Phoenix Marketplace just four blocks away. A former BMO Harris Bank, once damaged by fire, was transformed into a multi-vendor shopping destination hosting small businesses-of-color. Here, you'll find something to eat at restaurants like Junior’s Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul, clothes to buy at Queen’s Closet, pampering to be had by 9th Cloud Massage Therapy and much more.
Students explore wellness and leadership beyond class
Franklin Heights is served by Milwaukee Public Schools, which earns an overall grade of C from Niche. Students can start at Auer Avenue Elementary, which earns a D-plus, and continue on to Wedgewood Park School, which earns a C-minus. High schoolers can attend Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School, which earns an A-plus. The high school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, a highly rigorous course of study geared towards educating the whole student, with a particular focus on critical thinking .
Auer Avenue Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.
The highly esteemed Reagan High School serves students on the north side of Franklin Heights.
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Parks honor local history while offering room to relax and play
For green space, check out Moody Park. This four-acre city park includes open fields bordered by a community garden and basketball courts. Or for something a little more low-key, kick back at Carter Park, a cute gap between blocks named after Dr. Lester Carter Jr. Carter, founder of one of the city's first Black-owned pharmacies before he passed away in 2022 at the age of 90. Whimsical sculptures at Carter Park spell out "Amani," — Swahili for “peace” and Arabic for “wishes”— an alternative name for Franklin Heights and a vibrant representation of this neighborhood's brightening trajectory forward.
Locals frequent Moody Park for its green-spaces and basketball courts.
Carter Park is the perfect place for an art-filled, relaxing walk.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Franklin Heights
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Franklin Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $104,950, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the possibilities with this spacious 2/2 duplex offering great potential with a little TLC. Whether you are looking to live in one unit or add a solid rental to your portfolio, this property is a strong opportunity. Each unit offers generous living space, and the two parking spots in the back add convenience for occupants or tenants. Property is being sold As Is. Cash or conventional
Discover character of this beautiful four-bedroom home in the heart of Milwaukee. Filled with classic details, this residence features stunning original woodwork, built-in shelves in the living room perfect for books as well as a spacious primary bedroom on the upper level. The main level offers a comfortable flow with a welcoming living room, formal dining space, and two bedrooms. Plenty of
THIS TIRED PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD IN ''AS IS'' CONDITION, OFFERS UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY TO AN AMBITIOUS BUYER. SELLER IS LOOKING FOR A QUICK CLOSE CASH OFFER. THIS HAS BEEN USED AS 2 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR A VERY LONG TIME BUT WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT TO HAVE A DUPLEX IN THE BACK. 1 UNIT HAS NEWER MECHANICALS. BACK HOME HAS A VERY, LONG TERM TENANT.
Newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom lower unit, w/d hookup in basement, New refrigerator, RA accepted, near bus lines (29th Concordia).... Move in ready December 1st!!! Convenient area - close to shopping (Mayfair mall & Midtown), schools, library, banks, restaurants, churches and parks. Washer and dryer hook up in basement.Refrigerator included. Pets (small pets only) additional
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
